unanticipated

adjective

un·​an·​tic·​i·​pat·​ed ˌən-an-ˈti-sə-ˌpā-təd How to pronounce unanticipated (audio)
: not anticipated : unexpected, unforeseen
unanticipatedly adverb

Examples of unanticipated in a Sentence

The new policy has had some unanticipated side effects. ran into some unanticipated difficulties with the computer program
Recent Examples on the Web For his part, Goggins says he’s begun approaching his career differently since COVID forced him (and everyone) to take an unanticipated break. Brent Lang, Variety, 19 Mar. 2024 Anxiety over commercial real estate ratcheted up last month when New York Community Bank disclosed unanticipated losses on real estate loans that were tied to office and apartment buildings, sending its stock plunging. Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 14 Mar. 2024 Meanwhile, an unanticipated, if admirable, high level of conservation over the years left San Diego with a surplus of expensive water. Michael Smolens, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Mar. 2024 As Colman searches for a murderer and Lorna searches for her daughter, their paths collide in unanticipated ways. EW.com, 4 Jan. 2024 Hill’s research exemplifies the phenomenon of unanticipated consequences that often afflicts political actions. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 1 Jan. 2024 And Then Adapt Some More When plotting a sustainability path, the team learned unanticipated challenges would arise and the ability to pivot was critical to success. Kevin Brown, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 Money has poured into the minor leagues in recent years, even before Wrexham — both the team and the documentary — brought an unanticipated allure to the lower reaches of English soccer. Rory Smith, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 An unanticipated development can disrupt your home and family life. USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'unanticipated.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1779, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of unanticipated was circa 1779

Dictionary Entries Near unanticipated

Cite this Entry

“Unanticipated.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/unanticipated. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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